WHEN NATURE GOES BANANAS

The long-spell of intense heat followed by rains and gale has left banana farmers of the fertile Theni worried as the crop yield has reduced by half, affecting exports and livelihood

- JEYALAKSHMI RAMANUJAM

GRAND Nain (G9), Virupakshi, Robusta, Red Banana. Name it, you can find them all in the state, the fourth largest banana growing region in the country. But just like any other crop, banana too is not strong enough to tackle the adverse weather conditions, leaving the farmers staring at the burnt bunches that ripened prematurely in their plantations.

The heatwave-like conditions that prevailed in the state had burnt the trees, and the fruits ripened before attaining full growth.

"Banana crops require a large quantity of water as it helps increase the productivity. It is also essential to have a good moisture level in the atmosphere for the crop to attain full growth," says E Senthil, a farmer from Karichipatti village in Chinnamanur of Theni, adding though they tried to save the crops by supplying adequate water, the efforts went futile as the trees started falling one after the other.

Senthil says the dry spell was so long, as from January last year until a week ago, the region did not get good rain.